Ferrari tour in the landscapes of Tuscany
The Tuscan countryside: Val di Chiana and Val D'orcia - About 140 km, full day
We depart in the morning from the Relais Corte dei Papi, a refined "Residenza d'Epoca" dating back to the 1700s, located in the Tuscan countryside a few kilometers from Cortona, in a small valley surrounded by rolling hills. After a briefing with the instructor, we get behind the wheel of our cars and drive through hills dotted with cypress trees and vineyards as far as the eye can see to reach Montepulciano, a medieval town of rare beauty, famous for its historic wineries, elegant Renaissance palaces and magnificent squares that often open onto breathtaking views. It was here that the American TV series "Medici - Masters of Florence" and "Moonlight" from the Twilight saga were filmed.
At the end of the free tour, we return to our cars and drive along the road that leads to Monticchiello, among fields of wheat and sunflowers, vineyards and fields dotted with farmhouses and stone villages. Here we encounter one of the most iconic images of Tuscany, a road all curves surrounded by cypresses that climbs wonderful hills, perhaps the most famous symbol of the Tuscan landscape. Stop for the photo-opportunity. We then continue to Bagno Vignoni, an ancient and famous spa located inside the Parco della Val d'Orcia. Stop for lunch in a typical local tavern. We suggest a walk in the medieval square where there is a huge thermal pool, 49 meters long and 29 meters wide, built on the original thermal spring used by the ancient Romans. Walking around the square, immersed in its fairytale atmosphere, is like stepping back in time. If you have time, you can also visit the Mill Park adjacent to the village, an area characterized by streams and small waterfalls, but above all by the four mills built around the 12th century.
Let's get back behind the wheel of our cars and drive down the road to S. Quirico d'Orcia. Here you can admire one of the most iconic views in Tuscany, with the famous cypresses of San Quirico arranged in a perfect geometry. We are in the world-famous Val d'Orcia, where man and nature have been coexisting for centuries and creating an extraordinary landscape with postcard views, evocative medieval atmospheres and genuine hospitality. Driving our Ferraris along the winding roads and gentle climbs, stopping occasionally on the top of a hill to admire the scenery, we reach Pienza, the ideal city desired by Pope Pius II and designed by Rossellino under the guidance of the humanist Leon Battista Alberti. These artists defined the harmonious and typical 15th century appearance of Pienza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stop for a free tour of the town.
From here, in about 30 minutes, we reach Abbadia, near Montepulciano, where a tasting of local wines and a visit to the historic cellars of Villa Sant'Anna await us.
At the end of the tasting, we return to the Relais Corte dei Papi, which is about half an hour's drive away.
